Tjärnö plans for a new research vessel – the goal is a catamaran
The research vessel Nereus has been a faithful servant of science at Tjärnö Marine Laboratory for 40 years. But the ship has reached its technical life time and there is an ongoing work to find its replacement. The goal is a catamaran, financed by sponsorship and external donors.
“Our research vessel is one of our most important assets”, says Marina Panova, station director at Tjärnö
The need to replace the research vessel Nereus at Tjärnö Marine Laboratory has been under discussion for several years. The ship is frequently used for teaching, research and collaboration at the University of Gothenburg, mostly half day or day tours in the Koster National Park, or to neighbouring marine areas. Nereus is out at sea most working days of the year.
“The research vessel is one of our most important assets here at Tjärnö. We are completely dependent on her for research and teaching, as well as for our outreach activities, where we take various groups of people out to sea. We couldn't manage without her”, says Marina Panova, station director at Tjärnö.
A catamaran is the way forward
The group working on the issue has decided that the new research vessel should be a catamaran. It will be slightly more expensive, but the advantages compared to a single hull outweigh this. A ship with two hulls has better stability, can operate in shallower water, has more deck space and requires less energy at lower speeds. The vision includes areas for both teaching and sampling.
Follow the link for 3D model of the planned vessel
“With a modern vessel we can continue our work but also evolve and be even better at what we are doing. We will have a bigger workspace, we can bring more instruments, we can work in new ways and do more things at sea”, says Marina Panova.
Refitting Nereus is not considered an option. It is estimated to be more expensive than purchasing a modern vessel with hybrid or electric drive. A vessel adapted to current requirements for environmental protection, health and safety, technical equipment and future competitiveness.
Various expert analyses show wear and tear not only to equipment and machinery but also on hull and superstructure. Nereus is over 40 years old and has reached the end of its technical lifetime. Future repairs and maintenance risk being very costly and time-consuming.
“The machinery is in good condition and hasn´t been used extensively, but it´s starting to age and spare parts are becoming scarce”, says Linus Andersson, one of two skippers at Nereus.
Risk for disruption in daily activities
The risk of prolonged repairs is a significant concern. This is one of the main reasons why Tjärnö is now working to find a replacement for Nereus.
“Our researchers use her to take samples, students come here to go out to sea and we have many visiting high school classes that go out with Nereus. If we couldn´t use the ship, it would cause a big disruption in our daily activities”, says Marina Panova.
The project now enters a new phase. Tjärnö Marine Laboratory needs to find sponsors and external funding for the new research vessel. This phase of the work will start in spring.
During spring the project enters a new phase. Tjärnö Marine Laboratory will work to find sponsors and external funding for the new research vessel
"Anyone who wants to help with this is welcome to contact me, or our stations coordinator, Helen Verman", says Marina Panova.
Text: Mikael Andersson
Some facts about Nereus' future replacement, based on discussions, needs analysis, several study visits and a sketch produced in collaboration with a ship consultant.
Length: 18 - 20 m
Width: 6 - 7 m
Work deck area: 50 square metres minimum free area
Passenger capacity: Max 48 (max 23 outside inland waters)
Crew: 2
Main engine: Electric, hybrid or other fossil free propulsion
Operating time: Max 14 hours per day
Gyro stabiliser to minimise rolling on board
Crane, large bridge with space for crew, ROV (remotely operated underwater vehicle), crew and clients
Laboratory, wheelchair accessible classroom, WC, workshop space
Dynamic positioning - reduces the need to anchor as often, reducing the impact on sensitive seabeds
Owner: University of Gothenburg, Tjärnö Marina Laboratory
Flag: Swedish State Ship